The IMFC again did not issue a communiqué as it could not agree on language on the war in Ukraine. A chair’s statement was issued in lieu of the communiqué and emphasised the resilience of the global safety net system, better than projected conditions and concerns about significant challenges.
United States
IFI governance
Analysis
Spring Meetings 2023 Preamble: Threats to multilateral system and to achievement of development goals mount as hopes of substantive reform at World Bank and IMF wane
Spring Meetings unlikely to deliver structural reforms required to respond to worsening polycrisis, as Global North-driven World Bank reform set to divert attention from poverty and inequality and geopolitical tensions dampen hopes of new SDR allocation and IMF quota reform.
IFI governance
Analysis
Democratic deficit in World Bank presidential appointment: Where is the evolution?
The World Bank Group needs to address its democratic deficit and lack of accountability. As it prepares to elect a new president and implement its “evolution roadmap”, it should use these key opportunities to embrace a profound reform.
IFI governance
Analysis
IMF quota review: Putting climate at the core of IMF governance reform
Addition of cumulative carbon emissions indicator in IMF quota formula would give climate-vulnerable countries greater voice in IMF.
IFI governance
Analysis
Annual Meetings 2022 Preamble: With risk of global recession on horizon, World Bank and IMF's ability to offer credible solutions remains in question
Economic turmoil and geopolitical fragmentation will provide the backdrop to the first in-person World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings since 2019.
Finance
Commentary
Quota reform needed at IMF in order to address 21st century challenges
As economic conditions worsen and the Fund's legitimacy comes under increasing pressure, IMF leaders gathering for the Annual Meetings must make progress on ongoing review of IMF quotas and agree a more equitable formula and distribution of voting power.
Accountability
Analysis
Ending “absolute immunity” for the International Finance Corporation: The legacy of Jam v. IFC
EarthRights International examines how the Jam v. IFC case has helped to shift the landscape of accountability for international financial institutions by successfully challenging their claim to “absolute” immunity in US courts, potentially opening IFC up to further legal challenges in future.
Finance
Analysis
A new Bretton Woods for whom? Civil society calls for democratisation of global governance
As geopolitical tensions rise amidst worsening global economic conditions, civil society demands the democratisation of a world economic order away from the established Global North and elite capitalist hegemony.
Other news
Finance
News
IMF continues to disregard UN Human Rights Commission concerns about its surcharge policy
IMF managing director continues to refuse to answer letter from UN Human Rights Council concerning the negative impact of IMF surcharges as world celebrates 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Finance
News
Civil society campaign urges IMF to stop using punitive surcharges
Over 250 civil society experts urge the IMF to eliminate its punitive surcharges on countries in debt distress as they undermine an equitable economic recovery and exacerbate the global debt crisis.
IFI governance
Background
IMF surcharges: A necessary tool or counter-productive obstacle to a just and green recovery?
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 6 October on the governance and resourcing implications of IMF's surcharges.
IFI governance
Background
Making the Most of Special Drawing Rights: Approaches to maximise impact and create a sustainable and just recovery
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 4 October on the ways to maximise the impacts of the recent allocation of $650 billion Special Drawing Rights.
Infrastructure
News
New US treasury guidance introduces limits for US support for fossil fuels at World Bank
Civil society voices concern about continued support for fossil gas under the policy.
Accountability
News
Struggle for IFC accountability for Tata Mundra continues despite landmark immunity ruling
IFC continues to avoid responsibility for its investments in Tata Mundra coal power plant as US federal court rules that harmful acts took place outside the United States.
Social services
News
Malpass makes World Bank a pariah with opposition to TRIPS waiver
World Bank President comes out against temporarily waiving intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccines
Gender
Background
Building a feminist recovery for all: Gender transformative policies are more urgent than ever
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 1 October.